The Graduates
Fatou Kebbeh
For over a decade, Models.com’s The Graduates series has served as a visual check-in with the models of the moment who have consistently performed at the highest levels, graduating from rising newcomers on the Hot List to the Top 50’s most recognizable faces. Stars like Bella Hadid, Hoyeon, Vittoria Ceretti, Selena Forrest, and Sora Choi, to name a few, have all taken part in the milestone series, which marks a defining shift in a model’s career. With major bookings across editorials, campaigns, lookbooks, and runways, these models have secured their places among fashion’s most sought-after talents, working with leading luxury houses and influential creatives while continuing to make their mark on the global stage.
For the 2026 edition, Models.com headed back to Paris during the whirlwind of Fashion Week to capture this year’s graduating class through the lens of photographer Valentin Herfray, with styling by Dara and looks exclusively from LVMH Prize finalist De Pino. Beyond the images, the cast sits down with the Models.com team to reflect on their unexpected beginnings, career-defining moments, the designers and photographers who have shaped their journeys, and what lies ahead as they cement their positions as the next generation of leading faces in fashion.
Photography Valentin Herfray
Stylist Dara
Collection De Pino
Hair Stylist Sarah Jo Palmer
Makeup Artist Julian Stoller
Manicurist Sylvie Vacca
Movement Director Gabriele Esposito
Video Director & Art Direction Marcel Gitard, En Mode
Video Director of Photography Maxime Thiolet Berger
Editor-in-Chief Stephan Moskovic
Editorial Director Irene Ojo-Felix
Interviewer Irene Ojo-Felix
Production 360PM – MA + Group
Producers Jocelyn Rummler and Julia Lellouche
1st Assistant Photographer Rémi Procureur
2nd Assistant Photographer Joshua Abecassis
Digital Tech Romain Boé
Retouching INK
Styling Assistants Mona Antabli and Maszia Oettgen
Tailor Carole Savaton
Hair Assistants Celine Lanclume, Aimeric Amiot, and Taisiia Povalii
Manicure Assistant Isabelle Guyon
Special Thanks Christopher Michael at Egos & Icons
Since opening Marni’s S/S 25 show, Gambian model Fatou Kebbeh has built an impressive portfolio, securing a coveted Prada exclusive and walking for some of fashion’s leading houses, including Givenchy, Gabriela Hearst, and Tom Ford. Her success has extended into campaigns, developing a relationship with Ferragamo that has led to her return to work with the Italian house on its recent Pre-Fall 2026 campaign. Yet a career in fashion was never part of her original plans. Growing up in The Gambia, Kebbeh was encouraged by a schoolmate who recognized her potential and introduced her to a scout connected to her mother agency, Beth Models. “Actually, it was never in my plans,” she recalled. “During my school time, there was this girl who always discussed it with me, ‘Oh, I think you need to be a model. You have the heart. You can do it.’” That encouragement manifested her onto a path that would eventually take her to the international runways of New York, Milan, and Paris.
Now based in London, Kebbeh has spent the past two years navigating the demands of an increasingly busy career. “It was actually good though, but sometimes it’s difficult too,” she admitted. “Because traveling from different countries all the time, it’s so stressful.” While she enjoys editorial work, the runway remains her favorite part of modeling, particularly the friendships and connections she has made along the way. Despite her commanding presence on the catwalk, Kebbeh describes herself as naturally shy, a contrast to the playful personality her fellow models encounter backstage. Away from fashion, she enjoys shopping and cooking, and makes a point of returning to The Gambia during the holidays. “I just love being home,” she said. As one of the few Gambian models working internationally, Kebbeh also hopes to create opportunities for the next generation of talent in her home country. Recognizing the limited infrastructure available to aspiring models in The Gambia, she has ambitions to establish her own agency. “I wish to start it too so I can bring models from Gambia, maybe to Lagos, maybe to Europe.” For Kebbeh, the next chapter is not only about building her own career but also creating a pathway for others to follow.
